Women’s Health & Continence Physiotherapy During Pregnancy and Menopause

Women’s health and continence physiotherapy plays an important role during pregnancy, after childbirth, and throughout menopause.

At Apex Physiotherapy Bicton, our Women’s Health Physiotherapist provides assessment and treatment for pelvic floor function, pain, and bladder or bowel issues during all stages of life.

Women’s Health Physiotherapy During Pregnancy

Pregnancy places increased load on the pelvic floor, lower back and pelvic joints.

A Women’s Health Physiotherapist can assess and treat:

  • Pelvic girdle pain
  • Sacroiliac joint pain
  • Pubic symphysis pain
  • Lower back pain
  • Sciatica symptoms
  • Pelvic floor changes during pregnancy

Early assessment helps reduce pain and improve function throughout pregnancy.

Postnatal Pelvic Floor Recovery

After childbirth, the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles may be stretched or weakened.

A postnatal pelvic floor assessment is recommended around 12 weeks after birth.

This assessment may include:

  • Pelvic floor muscle function screening
  • Abdominal muscle separation (rectus diastasis assessment)
  • Musculoskeletal screening of pelvis and spine

Why postnatal assessment is important

Research shows that pelvic floor strengthening after childbirth has strong evidence for:

  • Reducing and preventing stress incontinence
  • Improving pelvic floor strength and control
  • Reducing risk of pelvic organ prolapse

Early rehabilitation improves long-term recovery outcomes.

Postnatal Treatment Options

Treatment may include:

  • Pelvic floor strengthening programs
  • Core and abdominal retraining
  • Education on safe return to exercise
  • Scar tissue treatment (caesarean or episiotomy)
  • Postural and movement re-training

Breastfeeding-Related Conditions

Some women may experience:

  • Mastitis
  • Blocked milk ducts

In some cases, therapeutic ultrasound and physiotherapy techniques may assist in management alongside medical care.

Menopause and Pelvic Floor Health

During menopause, hormonal changes can affect pelvic floor strength and tissue health.

Reduced oestrogen levels may lead to:

  • Decreased pelvic floor strength
  • Reduced blood flow to pelvic tissues
  • Increased risk of incontinence
  • Pelvic organ prolapse symptoms
  • Pain during intercourse

Why pelvic floor screening matters in menopause

Early assessment allows your physiotherapist to:

  • Identify changes in pelvic floor function
  • Reduce symptom progression
  • Improve strength and support
  • Work alongside your GP when required

Conditions Treated by Women’s Health Physiotherapists

At Apex Physiotherapy Bicton, we treat a wide range of conditions including:

  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Urinary incontinence and bladder urgency
  • Pregnancy-related pain
  • Postnatal pelvic floor and abdominal recovery
  • Scar tissue after caesarean or episiotomy
  • Pelvic pain conditions
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Vulvodynia (vaginal pain)
  • Endometriosis-related pelvic pain
  • Bowel dysfunction and constipation

How Assessment Works

Your physiotherapist will take a detailed history and may assess:

  • Pelvic floor muscle function
  • Core and abdominal control
  • Posture and movement patterns
  • Bladder and bowel habits
  • Pain and symptom triggers

Real-time ultrasound imaging may be used to assess pelvic floor and abdominal muscle activation when appropriate.

All assessments are explained clearly and performed with consent.

Why Early Treatment Is Important

Pelvic floor issues often develop gradually over time.

Without treatment, symptoms may worsen, including:

  • Increased leakage
  • Pelvic heaviness or prolapse symptoms
  • Ongoing pain or dysfunction

Early physiotherapy improves recovery and long-term outcomes.

Women’s Health Physiotherapy in Bicton

At Apex Physiotherapy Bicton, we provide confidential and evidence-based women’s health care across pregnancy, postnatal recovery and menopause.

Our focus is to:

  • Restore pelvic floor function
  • Reduce pain and symptoms
  • Improve bladder and bowel control
  • Support safe return to exercise and daily activity

When Should You See a Women’s Health Physio?

You should seek assessment if you experience:

  • Bladder or bowel leakage
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Pregnancy-related pain
  • Postnatal recovery concerns
  • Menopause-related pelvic changes

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I have a postnatal pelvic floor check?

Around 12 weeks after childbirth is recommended.

Can physiotherapy help pelvic floor weakness?

Yes. Exercise-based rehabilitation is highly effective.

Is pelvic pain normal during pregnancy?

It is common but not something you need to simply accept—physiotherapy can help.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is required to see a women’s health physiotherapist.

Can menopause affect bladder control?

Yes. Hormonal changes can affect pelvic floor strength and bladder function.